IGNOU offers admission twice i.e. January Session and July Session. It offers more than 300 UG, PG, diploma, certificate, and PhD programs. As per market research more than 5 lakhs students enroll annually. IGNOU January Session 2026 Admissions Open, Apply by 31st Jan 2026 at @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
- Mode of Admission: Merit-based & Entrance-based (depending on course).
- Application Mode: Online & Offline (Regional Centres).
- Official Website: @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
- Registration Fee: INR 200
For B.Ed, M.Ed, M.Phil, and PhD, admissions are conducted through IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test, and IGNOU Ph.D entrance exam, conducted by the university.
IGNOU January 2026 Session Admissions Open. Apply by 15 February 2026: @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
Last date to Re-Registration for IGNOU January 2026 session is 15 February 2026: @ignou.samarth.edu.in/index.php/site/login
IGNOU B.Ed 2026 Admissions Open. Apply by27 February 2026: @ignou-bed.samarth.edu.in
IGNOU Admission Dates 2026
Tentative dates for IGNOU January 2026 session covering registration, exams, dispatch of study materials, term-end activities etc.
| Event |
Dates (January 2026 Session) |
| Admission / Registration Starts |
Late November - Early December 2025 |
| Last Date of Re-Registration |
15 Feburary, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply |
15 Feburary 2026 |
| Entrance Exam (for B.Ed, PhD, etc.) |
March 2026 |
| Document Verification |
February 2026 |
| Admission Confirmation |
Mid - February 2026 |
| Dispatch of Study Material |
February - March 2026 |
| Commencement of Classes |
March 2026 |
| Assignment Submission Window |
March - September 2026 |
| Term-End Examination (TEE) |
December 2026 |
Check Out: IGNOU Course & Fees
IGNOU Admission 2026
IGNOU Admission applications are accepted both online and offline, depending on the course. Admission is granted either based on merit or through IGNOU entrance exams for select programs.
Last date to apply for January session is 31st January 2026 at @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
| Step |
Description |
Key Actions |
| Visit the Official Website |
Begin the admission process on the IGNOU portal. |
Visit ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in → Click Register Online → Fresh Admission |
| New User Registration |
Create a new account for admission. |
Provide valid email ID & mobile number → Create username & password → Login credentials sent to email/SMS |
| Fill Out the Application Form |
Complete personal, academic, and program details. |
Log in → Fill required details → Upload scanned documents |
| Pay Application & Program Fee |
Pay the required fees online or offline. |
Pay INR 200 non-refundable registration fee → Pay program fee via Credit / Debit Card / Net Banking / ATM or Demand Draft |
| Submit the Application |
Finalize and submit the form. |
Review details → Submit form → Download payment slip & application summary |
| Admission Verification & Confirmation |
IGNOU verifies documents and eligibility. |
Wait for verification → Receive confirmation via email / SMS → Check status via Know Your Status using Enrollment/Control Number |
| Receive Study Material & Enrollment Details |
Access learning resources and begin academic sessions. |
Receive Enrollment Number, Study Material, Study Centre details → Classes start in 2–3 months depending on session |
Check Out: IGNOU Results
Documents Required for IGNOU Admission
Candidates applying for IGNOU programmes must upload the following documents during the online admission process:
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Scanned signature.
- Age proof.
- Educational qualification certificates.
- Category certificate, if applicable
- BPL certificate, if applying for fee concession
- Experience certificate, if required by the programme
- Government-issued identity proof.
- Entrance exam scorecard.
IGNOU B.Ed 2026
B.Ed program at IGNOU is a 2‑year professional teacher education course offered through distance learning (ODL) to train aspiring teachers for secondary and senior secondary levels.
Click Here: Get the IGNOU B.Ed 2026 Brochure
B.Ed Important Dates 2026
- Notification & Application Start: 28 January 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 27 February 2026
- Entrance Exam: March 2026
- Result: April - May 2026 (tentative)
IGNOU B.Ed Eligibility 2026
To be eligible for IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2026, candidates typically must have: Bachelor’s degree (BA/B.Sc/B.Com) or Master’s degree with at least 50% marks (relaxation of 5% for reserved categories like SC/ST/OBC/PwD). Some sources also mention eligibility for engineering/technology graduates with certain marks. No age limit to apply.
Note: IGNOU requires candidates to clear its national B.Ed Entrance Test for admission candidates cannot enroll directly without appearing in the exam.
IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Exam 2026
IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Exam 2026 is a nationwide test conducted by IGNOU for admission to its B.Ed program. The exam features multiple sections, including reasoning, teaching‑learning, and general awareness, following a format similar to previous years. Candidates can download their admit cards a few weeks before the exam, while the answer key and results are typically released several weeks after the test.
How to Apply?
- Visit the official B.Ed portal @ ignou-bed.samarth.edu.in
- Register & create login with a mobile number and email.
- Fill in personal and academic details.
- Upload photograph, signature, and documents.
- Pay the entrance exam fee online.
- Submit the form and download confirmation/receipt.
What Happens After the Entrance Exam?
- Results are declared online and shortlisted candidates proceed to counselling and document verification as scheduled.
- After verification and fee payment, final admission is confirmed.
IGNOU Admission Status
After completing the IGNOU admission process, students should check their Admission Status to confirm acceptance or rejection. Admission confirmation is sent through the official portal, as well as the student's registered email and mobile number.
To check the status, use your Name, Enrollment Number, Control Number, or Programme Code. If not checked manually, confirmation is usually sent within 2 months to your registered contact details.
How to Check IGNOU Admission Status?
Follow these steps to check your admission status online:
- Visit the official IGNOU admission portal.
- Enter your Enrollment Number and Programme Code.
- Complete the captcha and click Submit.
- A new page will show your registered programme details.
- Click “Know Your Status” to view your updated IGNOU admission status.
What Happens After Admission is Confirmed?
- Once your IGNOU application is approved, the portal status changes to "Confirmed."
- Candidates will receive an SMS or email notification.
- Contact your Regional or Study Centre for counseling and academic support.
- Access study materials via the IGNOU e-content portal or in printed form.
- Review your program’s assignments, schedule, and academic calendar for important updates.
Read More: IGNOU Language Courses
IGNOU Courses 2026
IGNOU Courses Eligibility Criteria 2026
| Course |
Eligibility Criteria |
Additional Notes |
| BA |
Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board |
Offers multiple specializations; flexible study pace. |
| B.Com |
Passed 10+2 from a recognized board |
Focus on commerce, accounting, and finance. |
| BBA |
Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board |
Emphasizes management and business skills. |
| BCA |
Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board |
Covers programming and software development. |
| B.Sc |
Passed 10+2 with Science subjects (PCM) |
Majors in Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics. |
| BPP |
No formal qualification required and must be 18 years or older |
For personal or professional development. |
| BSW |
Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board |
Focus on social work and community service. |
| BLIS |
Bachelor’s Degree with 50% marks (45% for SC / ST / OBC / PH) or Bachelor’s Degree + Diploma in Library Science or Bachelor’s Degree + 2 years’ experience in a Library / Information Centre |
Prepares for library management and information services. |
| MA |
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
Offers specializations in humanities or social sciences. |
| MBA |
Graduation with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) |
Focus on management, marketing, and finance. |
| M.Com |
Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or related stream |
Advanced study in accounting and finance. |
| M.Sc |
B.Sc in the relevant field |
Specializes in science and technology fields. |
| MCA |
Any UG degree + Mathematics at 10+2 or UG level |
Focus on software and database management. |
| M.Ed |
B.Ed with 55% marks + 2 years of teaching experience |
Prepares for advanced teaching roles. |
| MSW |
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
Trains in social work and community organization. |
| MLIS |
BLIS degree or equivalent |
Advanced library and information management. |
| MTTM |
BA (Tourism) / BHM / Any UG + Diploma in Tourism |
Focus on tourism and hospitality management. |
IGNOU Entrance-Based Admission 2026
IGNOU conducts entrance exams for certain programs. The eligible courses include B.Ed, and PhD. Below are the eligibility criteria and the corresponding entrance exams accepted for admission:
| Course |
Eligibility |
Exam Accepted |
| B.Ed |
UG/PG degree in Science, Social Science, Commerce, or Humanities with 50% aggregate, or BE/B.Tech with 55% in Science/Maths. |
IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test |
| PhD |
Master’s or M.Phil. in a relevant discipline. |
IGNOU PhD Entrance Test or valid Fellowship in UGC-NET / UGC-CSIR NET / GATE / CEED |
IGNOU Admission Fees and Refund Policy
IGNOU charges a non-refundable one-time registration fee of INR 200 for all candidates. After registration, students must pay the admission fee for the first year/semester. The refund policy for cancellation is as follows:
| Condition of Admission Cancellation |
Refund Policy |
| Before the last date of admission |
100% Refund (excluding the registration fee) |
| Within 15 days after the admission closing date |
INR 500 will be deducted from the admission fee |
| Within 30 days after the admission closing date |
INR 1000 will be deducted from the admission fee |
| After 30 days from the admission closing date |
No Refund |
Note:
- Registration fee is non-refundable.
- Admission fee refund depends on the cancellation date.
- No refund is provided after 30 days from the admission closing date.
IGNOU Re-Registration 2026
If you're a continuing student at IGNOU and want to continue your studies for the next academic cycle (July or January session), re-registration is essential for most UG and PG programs with a year-wise/semester-wise structure. Here’s what you need to know about the IGNOU re-registration process for 2025.
Last date to apply for IGNOU Re-Registration 2026 is 15th Jan 2026 at @onlinerr.ignou.ac.in.
When to Re-register?
- July 2025 Session: Re-registration starts in April-May and ends in June.
- January 2025 Session: Re-registration begins in October-November and ends in December.
Eligibility Criteria
- Completed the previous year/semester: You must have successfully passed the current year/semester and completed required assessments.
- Cleared outstanding fees: All pending fees, including course fees, should be cleared before re-registration.
- Continuous study: If you've taken a break or failed to complete courses, check with your regional center for re-registration eligibility.
Required Documents
- Previous year/semester exam results.
- Valid IGNOU enrollment number.
- Recent photograph.
- Fee payment proof.
- Completed assignments/projects (if applicable)
Steps for Re-registration
- Visit the official IGNOU re-registration portal.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Select your program and courses.
- Complete the re-registration form.
- Pay the re-registration fee.
- Submit the form.
IGNOU International Students Admission 2026
IGNOU offers a wide range of distance and online programs for international students, including those from SAARC, Non-SAARC countries, NRIs, and FSRI candidates.
Why Choose IGNOU as an International Students?
- 100% Online & Distance Learning.
- Open to SAARC, Non-SAARC, NRI, & FSRI students.
- Merit-based admissions (No entrance exam required).
- Separate fee structure for SAARC & Non-SAARC countries.
Key Admission Details for 2026
- Mode of Study: 100% Distance & Online.
- Eligibility: Based on the minimum qualification required for your chosen program.
- Application Mode: Online through the IGNOU Foreign Student Portal.
- Fee Structure: Special rates for SAARC and Non-SAARC countries
Important Guidelines for International Students
- Must be valid for the entire duration of the program.
- Educational certificates, ID proof, and valid VISA.
- Admissions are based on marks from the qualifying exam.
- No Entrance Exam required.
Check Out: IGNOU News
IGNOU Admission FAQs
Ques: Is there any fee exemption for IGNOU Admission?
Ans. IGNOU provides fee concessions for certain groups of students, such as SC/ST students, differently abled students, residents of Jammu & Kashmir, foreign students with an agreement and dependents of freedom fighters. Other categories may also include students receiving governmental scholarships or employees and dependents of IGNOU. Despite the waiving of program fee, students might be responsible for charges associated with the purchase of study material, registration, and administrative fees. Students will need to provide the appropriate documentation to receive such benefits, such as a caste certificate or some proof of disability.
Ques. Can I join IGNOU at any time?
Ans. No, you cannot join IGNOU at any time of the year. IGNOU offers admissions only in two fixed cycles each year: January and July sessions. The January cycle usually opens in late December or early January, while the July cycle starts in May or June. These dates give students two clear chances to apply for UG, PG, diploma, and certificate courses in distance or online modes.
Key Dates:
- January 2026 session: Admissions likely start around December 15, 2025, with forms open for several weeks.
- July 2026 session: Expected to open in May or June 2026.
IGNOU sometimes extends deadlines, but applications stay within these cycles.
Ques. What is the last date for IGNOU 2025?
Ans. No, there is no single "last date for IGNOU 2025" as deadlines vary by session, program type, and activity like fresh admission or re-registration.
IGNOU's January 2025 session fresh admissions had a last date of March 31, 2025 for most ODL programs. The July 2025 cycle closed earlier in 2025, with no extensions noted beyond standard windows
For the upcoming January 2026 admissions (starting around December 15, 2025), the last date is tentatively January 31, 2026 for UG, PG, diploma, and certificate courses in ODL and online modes.
Ques. Does IGNOU provide placement assistance to its students?
Ans. IGNOU offers career guidance and placement support through its Campus Placement Cells (CPCs) and regional job fairs. While placements are not guaranteed for every program, IGNOU regularly conducts job fairs, skill development sessions, and industry interactions to help students improve employability.
Ques. Can we submit a provisional degree certificate for the IGNOU admission?
Ans. Yes, IGNOU generally allows students to take provisional admission using a provisional degree certificate or proof of completion if the final degree or mark-sheet is not yet available. You may also need to submit an undertaking stating that you will provide the final documents once they are issued.
However, this option is not available for all programmes, such as certain certificate courses or entrance-based programmes. You must submit your final degree certificate or mark-sheet by the deadline given for your admission cycle, or your admission may be cancelled.
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Comments
Found 3 Comments
You can get admission after the last date but you need to provide late fees of INR 500 as well with the help of provision for late admission at IGNOU New Delhi.
You’ll receive the intimation for the admission update to your registered mail for IGNOU New Delhi and the last date to apply is March 31st 2024. Also, you can check out the official webpage of IGNOU and login using your enrolment if, then also you can get info on admission update.
Regional centres provide admission, textbooks, and results, among other things. Some courses are available for study in regional centres, but they are uncommon. Study centres are typically used for classes as well as the administration of theory and practical exams.